Journal

At Home With | Naoki Terada

Naoki Terada is an architect, designer, educator, and the director of the design studio Interoffice. Known for his longstanding work with Knoll and the influential interior store Maarket, his career spans across various disciplines, from interior design and project management to large-scale architecture and product design. Central to his philosophy is the belief in design's potential to enhance people's lives, creating under the motto: "Good design, good people."

“To me, colour is a material, like wood or concrete. When I designed my house, I decided on the wall finishes and furniture together, ensuring a cohesive look. Colour becomes a fabric of the architecture, influencing the entire spatial experience.”

Outline Sofa 3 Seater

$5559

Midst Dining Table

$5995

Rime Pendant 37cm

$965

Relevo Rug

$2349

Following the opening of the first Muuto Tokyo Store, Terada invited Muuto into his Tokyo home, offering a glimpse into his multifaceted life. It was here that he discussed his affinity for Scandinavian design, the art of creating personalised spaces, and the immense power of colour in shaping an environment.

Terada's journey into architecture was deeply influenced by his father, a graphic designer. However, where his father's work was confined to the two-dimensional world of graphics, Terada felt drawn to explore beyond those boundaries. “Growing up, I saw my father's work all the time, but it was two-dimensional. I thought I should do something different, so I decided to study architecture,” he reflects.

His education at the prestigious Architectural Association in London allowed him to embrace versatility in design, exploring a wide range of creative paths. This broad foundation in architecture opened the doors to his diverse career, underscoring the importance of adaptability in the design process.

The collaboration between Terada and Muuto is built on shared values and a common vision—both see Scandinavian design as timeless and enduring, with the power to transcend traditional boundaries. Terada has long championed the influence of Scandinavian culture and design in Japan, noting the importance of introducing new perspectives. “I encountered Muuto years ago and thought it was essential to introduce new perspectives on Scandinavian culture and design to the Japanese market, showing the way history continues to evolve,” he explains.

He is drawn to Muuto's commitment to innovation and functionality, qualities that honour Scandinavian traditions while also pushing design boundaries. With his deep experience in both creating and teaching, Terada continues to inspire generations, encouraging a versatile, hands-on approach to design and architecture.

Through his work, Terada champions the belief that thoughtful, purposeful design can deeply impact the way we experience the world around us—both in the spaces we inhabit and the way we engage with them.